Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia who are planning to return permanently to the Philippines may soon receive government support even before their final flight home.
The Department of Migrant Workers is backing the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act, which seeks to strengthen reintegration services for returning overseas Filipino workers.
One of its main proposals is to begin reintegration assistance as early as six months before an OFW’s planned return.
Preparation Could Begin While OFWs Are Still in Saudi
Under the proposal, reintegration would no longer begin only after an OFW arrives in the Philippines.
Workers could start preparing months ahead.
For KSA-based OFWs, this may be useful for those nearing the end of their contracts, planning retirement from overseas employment or deciding to return home for good.
Support may include job matching, skills training, business preparation and counseling.
The goal is to reduce the risk of workers coming home without a clear plan for income or employment.
Overseas Experience Does Not Always Lead to Better Jobs
Many OFWs return with years of experience, professional skills and higher positions gained abroad.
However, some still end up unemployed or underemployed in the Philippines.
Poor job matching is one of the problems being raised under the proposed measure.
A worker may have strong experience in Saudi Arabia but still struggle to find a local job that matches their skills and previous position.
Others may also need psychosocial or family support after difficult overseas experiences.
Four Types of Support Are Being Proposed
The reintegration framework focuses on four areas.
- Kaalaman covers education, upskilling and reskilling.
- Kalinga includes psychosocial, family and welfare support.
- Negosyo focuses on entrepreneurship and livelihood development.
- Hanapbuhay covers job matching, employment facilitation and work opportunities.
These services are designed to help returning OFWs rebuild their lives beyond emergency cash aid or repatriation.
Reintegration Would Continue After OFWs Arrive Home
DMW and OWWA already provide reintegration programs under Republic Act No. 11641.
The proposed law aims to make these services more permanent, organized and coordinated.
For many OFWs, including those based in Saudi, the biggest change would be the earlier start of assistance.
Instead of waiting until they are already back in the Philippines, workers could begin planning their next step while they are still abroad.
That could make the transition from overseas work to life back home more stable and less uncertain.